High hopes for hi-tech X-trail

Nissan has revealed its crucial fourth-generation X-trail medium SUV, which ushers in a comprehensive redesign inside and out, enhanced technology and connectivity, and likely new alternative powertrains for Australia.

Unveiled in the United States last week, where it is known as the Rogue, the all-new X-trail is not expected to arrive in Australia until late next year or early 2022.

However, in an interview with Goauto, Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said he was excited about the prospects of the new-generation X-trail, which he said clearly addressed the need for modernisation and would stimulate sales for what is the Japanese brand’s topselling nameplate in this market.

Mr Lester also said he was confident the design of the new X-trail, and all forthcoming new-generation models from the company, would maintain its distinctive ‘Nissan-ness’ and not simply be repeated by partner brands – Mitsubishi with Outlander, for example, and Renault with Koleos – under the global auto alliance’s latest corporate plan which will see them sharing not only platforms and various mechanical components but upper bodies as well.

“I think the X-trail really looks exceptional and it clearly addresses some of the modernity and design features customers are looking for in that mid-sized SUV range,” he said.

“So I’m really excited about it. I think the lines look great, it looks very masculine and sporty and we’ll be really excited when we can get it to Australia.”

Although sales of almost every SUV in this category have taken a beating this year due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, X-trail remains the third-biggest-selling model in class behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

Last year, X-trail racked up 19,726 sales, down slightly on the record 21,192 posted a year earlier.

“I think nothing spurs sales and attention like brand-new product, especially when it comes in such an appealing package and in a segment that is so very strong, one of the most important segments in the world, so it will fit in perfectly for us here in Australia,” Mr Lester said.